Laos to Vietnam

Welcome to Laos! Arrival transfer from Vientiane airport to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at leisure.

After breakfast we explore the charming capital of Laos on a city tour. Highlights include Wat Si Saket, the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaeo, Pha That Luang monument and Buddha Park with its incredible array of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. We also visit the COPE Centre, a charity working with victims of unexploded bombs and mines. End the day with a spectacular sunset dinner besides the Mekong River. (B/D)

We leave the capital early and journey north through lush countryside to Vang Vieng, peaceful village of Vang Vieng, situated on a curve of the Nam Song River.

In the afternoon, we cross the Nam Song River and venture to the other side, traversing a picturesque, unpaved route that winds through the Vang Vieng countryside, passing small villages and rice fields. This journey leads us to the blue lagoon and the Tham Pou Kham cave. The striking landscape, with its towering karst rock formations between Vang Vieng and the blue lagoon, is a sight to behold and makes the trip truly worthwhile. Inside the cave, we find a maze of chambers, galleries, and crevices adorned with stalagmites and stalactites, and the air inside is cool and damp.

Following our exploration of the cave, we descend to the Blue Lagoon, where you can relax, swim, or simply unwind in the refreshing waters. (B/D)

We explore the famous caves of Tham Jang this morning, where local people hid during a Chinese invasion in the early 19th Century. Then we get a taste of local life at Ban Huai Ngai village before travelling north to enchanting Luang Prabang. (B)

Consider rising early this morning to watch the daily ritual of saffron-clad monks and their procession down the streets of Luang Prabang, collecting alms from the residents. Afterwards we hop on a vintage tuk-tuk to travel in style around the old quarter of Luang Prabang. Our first stop on this unique sightseeing tour is the bustling Morning Market where we'll learn about local products. Then we stop at the magnificent Wat Xiengthong temple to admire its classical Laotian architecture. We end our morning with a visit to the former Royal Palace, which is now a national museum.

This afternoon we visit ethnic minority villages en route to the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall. Meet the locals and gain a fascinating insight into the local culture. We then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. (B)

On day 6 we head into the idyllic countryside to visit the Living Land Farm for a fun and hands on half day farming experience. Learn how rice is planted and cultivated in the rice paddy and have a go at ploughing the rice paddy with a water buffalo. Then we enjoy a tasty lunch of traditional Lao dishes at the farm's Rice House, while soaking up the spectacular views of rice terraces and mountains beyond.

The afternoon is free for you to independently explore more of Luang Prabang. Consider visiting the sobering UXO Centre to learn more about the Second Indochina War, take in more of the city's beautiful temples or head to the Ock Pop Tock weaving centre set in beautiful tropical gardens. In the evening we board a flight to Hanoi.

Day 7 is free for you to explore Vietnam's capital at leisure. Why not get off the beaten track and explore Hanoi on our optional Back Streets of Hanoi add-on? Discover the quaint districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc and ride pillion on taxi-motorbikes through a maze of narrow streets and along the shore of beautiful Ho Tay Lake. (Bx2/L)

This morning a scenic drive will take us to the beautiful UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, where lush limestone islets are scattered in the emerald waters. On arrival, board our deluxe junk boat for a cruise in the bay.

Based on traditional designs, these wonderful vessels combine oriental style with modern luxury. Soak up the panoramic views from the sundeck before we visit Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m² with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. There's also the opportunity to go kayaking and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Later this evening, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck of our cruiser before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner. (B/L/D)

Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. Before heading back to port this morning we explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave (Surprise Grotto), which is 10,000m² and consists of two major chambers. These spectacular chambers are spacious enough to hold thousands of people.

On arrival back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we'll explore the maze of streets in the French Quarter by cyclo (rickshaw), taking in highlights such as the Opera House and Ly Thai To Park. We then swap our wheels for a leisurely walk through the ‘36 streets of the old quarter', named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop here. from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops.

Later this evening we board the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express' railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available. (B)

Arriving into Hue we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the former capital of the 19th-century Nguyen Empire. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city. The seven-tiered pagoda has become a well known symbol for Hue. Within the walled citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, moats and imperial palaces.

In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings and here we'll see the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. As the sun sets take an optional cruise in a longboat along the Perfume River, beautifully illuminated at night. Alternatively, enjoy some retail therapy at Dong Ba Market. (B/L)

Today we take a drive along the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along China beach, featured in Francis Ford Coppola's movie ‘Apocalypse Now'. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before we continue our journey along the coast road to Hoi An.

The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with its cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a bygone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia's best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), can be found here.

On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical city, we'll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house and the famous 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique optional Hoi An Street Eats add-on, which explores the city's most popular local haunts. Cruise the city the way the locals do, by vintage Vespa and enjoy lots of tasty Vietnamese Cuisine. Book early with your reservation consultant, as numbers are limited. (B)

A leisurely bicycle ride into the countryside leads us to Tra Que village this morning. Here we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It's a fun, hands on experience, where we don conical hats and assist with tending the fields. Then we'll enjoy an entertaining cooking demonstration and help to cook a tasty lunch. (B/L)

Today is free for you to relax or further explore. You may wish to take a relaxing rowboat journey along the river or spend the day lazing by the beach. Alternatively you can opt to take an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the Ba Na Hills, where you can ride the second longest cable car in the world, explore the resort and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally). (B)

We catch an early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City today and drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl' of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice. Boarding our traditional sampan, we cruise along the maze of canals from Cai Be to Can Tho. Stop to visit local cottage industries as we go, then enjoy lunch in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. (B/L)

Early today we visit the colourful Cai Rang floating market and drive to Ho Chi Minh City. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Ho Chi Minh City is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. On our walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City we'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior) and the Old Post office. We also visit the sobering War Remnants Museum before this evening is at leisure. (B)

Today offers free time in Ho Chi Minh City until your departure transfer to the airport. Perhaps opt to shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market or visit the grand Independence Palace, with its secret bunker and military command centre beneath.

If extending your stay consider joining us on a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here you can go underground to explore the vast network of tunnels and hideouts used by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters, see booby traps, trap doors or test your skill with an AK 47 at the firing range. (B)